The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be conducting random inspection of passenger buses as part of the road safety measures as millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces to take advantage of the long Lenten break next week.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said he already instructed all regional directors to prepare the necessary road safety plans that include deployment of personnel for enforcement and the conduct of inspections in bus terminals.
“My instruction is more on proactive measures through visibility in major thoroughfares for assistance and law enforcement, and the conduct of random and surprise inspections on bus terminals to ensure the road worthiness of passenger buses,” said Mendoza.
“We also want to check on the physical and mental readiness of the drivers and conductors so if there is a need to conduct random and surprise drug testing, then we will do it,” he added.
Millions of Filipinos will again travel to their respective provinces to take advantage of the long holiday break for religious activity, vacation and bonding with friends and families next week.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also approved a total of 1,018 special permits to augment the supply of provincial buses during the peak travel period next week.
The special permits are valid from April 11 to 27, covering the Holy Week and the days immediately after.
Authorities are expecting the Holy Week exodus to begin by April 16 but Mendoza said the visibility of LTO personnel should begin as early as this weekend as some travelers may have already filed a vacation leave and would start their travel.
Aside from bus terminals and major thoroughfares, Mendoza said LTO personnel will also be present on the roads leading to the seaports and airports in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
“Part of my instruction is to coordinate with the local government units in order for us to also help in their Holy Week security plan,” said Mendoza.
He also urged motorists to ensure the road worthiness of their motor vehicles in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience along the road, or any accident, especially that almost all of them would be traveling with their families.